http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/3 2026-08-13T19:40:40Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12813 Psychosocial Interventions and Recovery Needs of Sexual Assault Survivors in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Kipchirchir, Micah Sexual assault is among the most distressing forms of trauma globally, often resulting in severe mental and physical health consequences. However, there is a paucity of research examining the nature of psychosocial recovery needs provided in Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centres (GBVRCs), particularly within the Kenyan context. This study aimed to investigate recovery needs and psychosocial interventions for sexual assault survivors within GBVRCs in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to: Assess recovery needs of sexual assault survivors in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, examine perspectives of counsellors and clients on the influence of psychosocial interventions in addressing recovery needs of sexual assault survivors in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, analyse perspectives of counsellors and clients on the challenges of psychosocial interventions used in addressing recovery needs of sexual assault survivors in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya and explore counsellor and client perspectives on strategies for improving the psychosocial interventions used in addressing recovery needs of sexual assault survivors in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study was guided by Cognitive-Behavioural theory and Ecological Systems Theory. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study targeted 97 sexual assault survivors and 43 trauma counsellors attached to GBVRCs in Uasin Gishu County. Purposive sampling was used to select counsellors and survivors. Data were collected through questionnaires, interview schedules, and document analysis. To ensure reliability and validity, the data collection instruments were piloted in five GBVRCs in Nandi County, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.8312 and a Content Validity Index of 0.85. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for data analysis, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The findings indicated that the most critical recovery need identified by counsellors was the provision of information on legal options for survivors considering legal action (mean = 4.20, SD = 1.106). The study concluded that a holistic, survivor-centred approach is essential for the effective recovery of sexual assault survivors in GBVRCs. It is recommended that GBVRCs adopt a trauma-informed, integrated service delivery model that ensures physical safety, mental health support, legal advocacy, and long-term social reintegration for survivors. 2026-05-27T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12809 Implications of Elitism Dynamics on Implementation of Public Works Initiatives: The Case of Kazi Mtaani Projects in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Ndong, Susan Akumu Public works programmes are widely implemented as government interventions aimed at addressing unemployment, poverty, and socioeconomic inequalities, particularly among vulnerable populations. Ideally, such initiatives should be governed by transparent, merit-based, and participatory processes that ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources. In Kenya, the Kazi Mtaani programme was introduced in April 2020 as part of the government’s COVID-19 economic recovery strategy to provide temporary employment to urban youth, improve environmental sanitation, and support low-income households. Despite these intentions, emerging reports have raised concerns regarding the influence of elitism in the implementation of the programme, including politically motivated beneficiary selection, inequitable resource allocation, and elite dominance in governance processes. These challenges have been reported in several counties, including Uasin Gishu, suggesting that elite influence may undermine the programme’s objectives. However, empirical studies examining the structural dynamics of elitism and their implications for the implementation of Kazi Mtaani remain limited. This study therefore sought to examine the implications of elitism dynamics on the implementation of Kazi Mtaani projects in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study was guided by four objectives: the efficacy of elitism principles, social elitism, economic elitism, and power dynamics on the implementation of Kazi Mtaani projects. The research was anchored on Elite Theory and Stakeholder Theory, which provided a framework for understanding how power relations and stakeholder participation shape project implementation outcomes. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was adopted. The study targeted 1,430 youth participants in the programme, employees from the Ministry of Youth and Social Welfare Services, and Members of Parliament representing the constituencies in Uasin Gishu County. A sample of 314 respondents was selected using appropriate sampling techniques. Primary data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, following a pilot study conducted in Nandi County. Instrument validity was ensured through expert review, while reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha. Quantitative data were analyzed using correlation and regression techniques, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented through narratives and supporting quotations. The findings revealed that efficacy of elitism principles significantly influence the implementation of Kazi Mtaani projects. In particular, social elitism, economic elitism, and power dynamics were found to shape decision-making processes, resource allocation, governance structures, and beneficiary participation in the programme. These dynamics often resulted in unequal access to opportunities and limited participation of vulnerable youth. The study concludes that while Kazi Mtaani provides important short-term employment opportunities, elite influence can undermine equitable implementation if not adequately addressed. The study recommends strengthening transparency, accountability, and participatory governance mechanisms in public works programmes to minimize elite capture and enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of youth employment initiatives in Kenya. 2026-04-22T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12808 Bioconcentration And Biomagnification of Organochlorine Pesticides by Aquatic Macroinvertebrates and Fish in Estuarine Ecosystems, South Coast, Kenya Nyakeya, Kobingi The persistence of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in estuarine ecosystems remains a major ecological and public health concern, particularly in tropical regions with intense agricultural activity and weak regulatory enforcement. This study investigated the bioconcentration and biomagnification dynamics of legacy OCPs in estuarine systems along Kenya’s South Coast. Sampling was conducted across multiple stations varying in land use and hydrology, and analyses were performed on water, sediments, and biota including benthic macroinvertebrate trophic guilds and fish (Penaeus monodon) to assess trophic transfer and ecological risk. Sixteen OCPs were detected across matrices, with significantly higher concentrations in biota than in sediments or water. P. monodon consistently exhibited the highest burdens (mean > 200 ng/g), approximately four times higher than in macroinvertebrates: Saccostrea cucullata and Nerita undata. Compounds such as alpha-HCH, o,p′-DDD, Mirex, and p,p′-DDE displayed high biomagnification factors (2.8–3.1), indicative of strong lipophilicity and persistence. Site-specific differences revealed elevated OCP levels in estuaries, suggesting ongoing anthropogenic inputs. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that water parameters such as salinity, conductivity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) were negatively correlated with OCPs, while pH and dissolved oxygen were positively associated with p,p′-DDE and Mirex. These relationships highlight how physicochemical properties influence pesticide transport and bioavailability. Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) analysis confirmed higher accumulation in P. monodon, with moderate BCFs in N. undata and S. cucullata, likely due to sediment-particle interactions. Rhagovelia species acted as intermediate vectors, facilitating contaminant trophic transfer up the food web. Sediment-based ecotoxicological indices further confirmed substantial risk. All OCPs recorded Hazard Quotients (HQs) > 1.0, and compounds like HCB, Heptachlor, and p,p′-DDE exceeded HQ = 1.75, indicating high probability of toxic effects. The Contamination Factor (Cf) and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) classified most sediments as extremely polluted, particularly with p,p′-DDD, Mirex, and Cis-chlordane. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) was 2.57, while the Nemerow Pollution Index (PN) reached 420.03; both indicative of widespread non-point and point pollution from sewerage facilities. Hakanson’s Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) was exceptionally high (31,352.42), far above the critical threshold (RI > 600), with gamma-HCH and p,p′-DDD posing the greatest threat. The Mean Effect Range- Median Quotient (ERM-Q) of 0.119 suggested a 21% probability of adverse effects on benthic fauna. Notably, sediment-bound pesticide levels consistently exceeded ecotoxicological thresholds, reinforcing their potential to drive chronic toxicity in estuarine habitats and disrupt benthic food webs. These results show that legacy OCPs to pose serious ecological threats despite regulatory bans. Elevated residues in P. monodon raise concerns for food safety among coastal human populations reliant on estuarine fisheries and international communities. The study recommends strengthened environmental monitoring, enforcement of pesticide bans, public education, and integrated pesticide and watershed management. Future research should focus on trophic markers, broader contaminant profiling, and ecological restoration to support remediation efforts. 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12509 FINANCIAL REPORTING DIMENSIONS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF FIRMS LISTED IN NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE OYIEKO, MARGARET Financial reporting dimensions play a crucial role in providing users and regulatory agencies with insights into a company‟s financial health. However, there has been a declining trend in the return on assets (ROA) among listed firms. Despite the importance of accurate financial reporting for investor confidence and financial performance has been declining. Therefore, the main objective of study was to examine how financial reporting dimensions affect financial performance as moderated by government policies. The specific objectives were: to establish the effects of balance sheet reporting on financial performance of listed firms in Kenya at NSE; to assess the effect of income statement reporting on financial performance of listed firms in Kenya at NSE; to evaluate effect of cash flow statement reporting on financial performance of listed firms in Kenya at NSE; to determine the effect of statement of shareholder‟s Equity reporting on financial performance of listed firms in Kenya at NSE; and to investigate the moderating role of government policies on financial reporting dimensions and financial performance. The study anchored on the main theory of Accounting Conservatism as it supported by Value Relevance Accounting and shareholders theory. Positivism research philosophy was adopted. Cross- sectional research design was used. The data was obtained from 13 listed sectors. A target population of 57 firms was used as per NSE handbook of 2023. Stratified sampling technique was used to derive a sample of 49 listed firms. A Structured data collection sheet was employed to extract secondary data from the firm‟s financial statements for the period of 2018 to 2023 using panel data. Data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics methods where output would be means, minimum, maximum, standard deviations, and percentages, while inferential statistics included correlation and panel regression analysis was used to draw inferences about the results. Hypothesis was tested using p-values (p<.05) from panel regression coefficient tables. The results were presented in form of tables. Correlation analysis indicated a weak negative relationship (r = -0.4023) between cash flow statement reporting and financial performance at a 95% confidence level or p values (p<0.05). The study concluded that changes in cash flow reporting tend to have an inverse effect on financial performance. There was a weak but positive relationship (r = 0.4165) between shareholder‟s equity statement reporting and financial performance at a 95% confidence level or at p values (p<0.05). The study recommended that financial reporting enhance transparency and accountability, reducing information asymmetry between management and shareholders. Balance sheet reporting dimensions and shareholders changes in equity reporting had a statistically significant effect on financial performance while income statement reporting and cashflow statement reporting a statistically insignificant effect on financial performance of listed firms. The study recommended that firms should focus on balance sheet reporting to boost investor confidence. Management should ensure efficient utilization of its assets to maximize its financial performance. The listed firms should ensure that there is effective implementation of government policies so as it to moderate financial reporting dimensions using income and cash flow statements on performance. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z